Hat construction



July 10, 1934. F. T. JOY

HAT CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 24, 1931 mvEN-ron BY ATTORNEY July 10,1934. F T. JOY

' HAT CONSTRUCTION Eiledpct. :24i i951 2 sheets-sheet 2 mm MN WW JNVENTOR i ww 4M ATTORNEY,

Patented July 10, 1934 uiten STAT-Es PATENT OFFICE HAT CONSTRUCTION Fred T. Joy, Danbury, Conn., assignor to The Mallory Hat Company, Danbury, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut This invention relates to straw hat construction and, with regard to its more specific features, to a construction for hats such as those commonly formed from strips of straw braid, or

the like.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a hat construction of the above nature which will be simple, practical and thoroughly durable. Another object is to provide a construction of the above nature which may be readily and inexpensively manufactured with a minimum amount of labor. Another object is to provide a construction of the above nature of pleasing appearance and which will resist the Wear and tear of common use in a successful and highly eicient manner. Another object of this invention is to provide a construction of the above nature in which the hat preserves the appearance of being of the stiff non-fieXible type, while certain portions thereof are flexible and still highly durable, thus to increase the comfort of the wearer without sacrificing durability. Another object of this invention is to provide a construction of the above nature in which severalof the parts thereof which are subject to the greatest strains and shocks in use are made proportionally more durable while permitting Ventilation of the interior of the hat. Other objects will be in part obvious or lin part pointed out hereinafter.Y

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangements of parts as will be examplied in the structure to be hereinafter described and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying .drawings in which is shown one of the various possible embodiments of my invention,

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a straw hat, the construction of which embodies certain features of my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation ofthe hat shown in Figure 1, certain of the parts thereof ,being broken away;

Figure 3 shows a section of straw braid preferably used in my hat construction;

Figure 4 shows a section of another form of straw braid preferably used in my hat construction, and

Figure 5 isa vertical sectional View of the hat shownin Figure 1, certain of the parts thereof being broken away.

Similar reference characters referto similar parts throughout the several views ofthe drawings.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of cer- 'tain features of this invention, it might here be pointed out that certain prevalent disadvantages are inherentk in the construction of straw hats such as those commonly formed from artificially stiifened straw braid. Due to the stiff nature of these hats, it usually follows that there can be little exibility of the various portions thereof. If the shape of the hat does not conform to the shape of the wearers head, the hat may not yield at certain points, as is the case, for example, in felt hats, but rather continues to maintain its rigid form to the obvious discomfort of the wearer. Wherever such flexibility is attained in some slight degree, durability as well as ventilation of the interior is sacrificed. Furthermore, such hats, as usually constructed, are formed from closely overlapping strips of straw braid and in this case there is little opportunity for Ventilating the interior thereof, as there are no openings in the body of the hat through which air might pass. Further still, in hats of this'nature, when they have attempted to incorporate exibility therein, durability is often sacrificed, and, due to the unstable character of the material used, thehat is more liable to sag, lose its intended shape and present an unsightly appearance. One of the objects of this invention is to provide a hat construction in which the above mentioned difficulties, as well as many others, are successfully and efficiently overcome.

Referring now to Figure 1 in detail, there is shown a straw hat generally indicated at 10 having a crown 11 and a brim 12. Disposed between and forming a portion of crown 11 and a brim 12, as best shown in Figures 1 and 2, is a band portion 13.

Crown 11 and brim 12 are preferably formed from a straw braid strip 14, a section of which is shown more in detail in Figure 3. Thus I prefer to form strip 14 so that it has one regular edge 15 and one irregular edge 16. Turning back to Figure 1, strip 14 is preferablyY coiled in spirals from the tip 17 of crown 11, so that edge 16 overlaps edge 15. Thus a circular mat may be formed in shingle fashion, so to speak, and held in this form by a series of concealed stitches 18 passing through the overlapping portions of the strip. The term concealed stitches as used herein signifies a stitch which extends over such a small surface of the straw that it is comparatively inconspicuous. Although such a stitch lacks the strength and durability of a larger stitch, it has the advantage of beinginconspicuous and prac-l tically invisible to the casual observer. Y After such crown 11, preferably at the end 34 `of strip 14. As

a hat is formed, it may be bent or otherwise shaped into the desired shape for crown 11, thus having sides 19 (Figure 2) extending downwardly toward brim 12. Any well known stiffening material may be applied to crown 11 to reinforce the straw and also stitches 18.

Brm 12 is formed in a similar manner from spirally coiled braided strips 14 and, as best shown in Figure 5, I prefer to provide two layers 20 and 21 thereof. Disposed between layers 20 and 21, following the periphery of brim 12, is a single straw braid strip 24. Although the construction of the brim may be varied to suit varying conditions of use, layers 20 and 21 as well as strip 24 may be formed by arranging the strips in shingle fashion so that edge 16 thereof overlaps the smooth edge 15 (Figure 3) and securing them in this position by concealed stitches 18, the nature of which have been described above. Furthermore, stiffening material may be applied to lbrim 12 to act in a reinforcing capacity.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 5, the depth of crown 1l and the width of brim 12 are shorter than the usual dimensions of these parts in common hat constructions of this character.

The portion disposed between crown `11 and brim l2, which I have referred to above as band portion 13, is the most Vulnerable portion of a straw hat, when suchl a hat is formed from stiffened braid strips 14 throughout. vWhen the brim of such a hat is flexed out ofv itsusual plane, the rough edges 16 of the straw braid strips are bent upwardlyand, if the brim reassumes its usual position, these edges are leftprotruding from the normal plane of the brim to present an unsightly appearance.

` Referring'now to Figure 4, I have shown another form of woven and/or braided straw strip v25. Strip 25 preferably has a smooth regular edge 26 and an irregular edge 27. Furthermore, although the individual pieces of straw 29 making up strip 25 are closely braided at the opposite side portionsv30'and 31 of strip 25, they are loosely Woven over a section 32 substantially in the center of the strip. In this manner, I provide holes 33 extending through portion 32 of the strip. Strip 25 is of a durable characterbecause of the closely woven side portions 30 and 31 thereof and at the same time preserves a comparatively large degree of flexibility due to the loosely woven center portion 32.

Turning now to Figures 2 and5, I prefer to form band portion 13 of my hat from layers of straw strip, such as that shown in Figure 4. Thus, a strip 25a is secured to the lower edge of more clearly shown in Figure 5, strip 25a, after encircling the inner surface of the lower portion of crown 11, thence spirals downwardly and outwardly, preferably having its smooth edge (such as edge 26, Figure 4) overlapping the rough edge (such as edge 27, Figure 4.) of the neXt succeeding section of the strip, so that a section 37b thereof fits over the inner edge of brim 12. Strip 25a when so disposed in overlapping or shingle relation, may be secured in this position by a series of through and through stitches 35 extending through each double section (overlapping portions) of the strip. The term, fthrough and through stitches, as herein referred to, signifies a stitch passing over a substantial length of surface of the strip, thus to aord great durability in a stitch connection. Y l

Disposed upon the inner side of strip 25a and forming another partl ofwbandportion 13 is a second reinforcing strip 255 substantially similar in construction (Figure 5) to strip 25a, and having one end 36 thereof preferably stitched or otherwise secured thereto. Strip 25h is thus spirally coiled about the interior of band portion 13, one section 37a thereof overlapping the under surface of brim 12 (Figure 5), thus to form a part thereof` Strip 25h is also secured in the above described position by through and through -stitches 38 passing through various sections of both strips 25a and 25h and preferably those portions thereof corresponding to side portions 30 and 31 (Figure 4) in order to give a more firm and durable foundation therefor. Stitches 28 connecting the opposite edges of band portion 13 (sections 37a and 37b) are preferably of the through and through type as are stitches 23 (Figure 5) which pass through the upper edge of strip 25a and the lower portion of crown 11. By using through and through stitches for all of the connections mentioned, I assure an independently stable and durable connection between these parts'. More specifically, the upper and lower edges of band portion 13 (adjacent the lower edge of crown 11 and the inner edge of brim 12) are secured reliably to the crown and brim, while the band portion per se, comprising the successively spiralled strips'25'a' and 25h, becomes a unit, practically incapable of separation through' ordinary use.

Still referring'to Figure 5, Imay secureto'band portion 13 ofthe hat, a sweatband 39 of any desirable character by stitches 40. Also, as best shown in Figure 2, I may provide a hat band 4l of any suitable character extending about that part of the band portion forming the lower crown ofthe hat and thus covering a part of strips 25a,

and 2517. Band 41 is preferably of such a width that it covers all of vthis section of band portion 13. Thus, with the band 41 in place, the hat retains the general appearance of an ordinary straw hat formed from stiff braided straw strips such as that shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the inner portion of the brim which is formed of strips 25a and 25D is usually an inconspicuous'portion of the hat and is seldom seen when the hat is worn. Thus the total appearance of the hat presents the general appearance of'a common straw hat of the stiff variety. However, if some part of band portion 13 is visible it is quite immaterial, for straw strip, such as that shown in Figure 4, is ornamental in character and forms a pleasing contrast with the remaining portions of the hat.

By the provision of holes 33 throughout all sections of band portion 13, I assure a free passage of air through band 41, Figure 2, (these bands usually being formed of somethin material, such as, for example, silk, through which air may pass easily) and thus afford ample ventilation for'the interior of the hat. Furthermore, due to the flexible nature of strip 25, as described above, the brim of the hat, while retaining a certain amount of rigidity necessary in such a style of hat, may, nevertheless, be flexed without injuring any part thereof. At the same time the band easily assumes the shape of the head of the wearer thus to afford utmost comfort while preserving durability commensurate with, if not greater than, many common hat constructions.

It should beunderstood that I do not wish to limit thisinvention to the use of flexible 'straw strip such as that shown in Figure 4, for band portion 13, although I have found such a type of .strip highly advantageousand productive'of best results under most conditions.

It will thus be seen that I have provided a thoroughly practical, highly durable, as well as an inexpensive construction in which the above objects, as well as many others, are successively and efficiently dealt with.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the above invention and as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In hat construction, in combination, a crown formed from overlapping strips of relatively stiff straw, a brim formed from overlapping strips of relatively stiff straw, said strips of said brim and said crown being secured together by concealed stitches passing through the overlapping portions thereof, means diposed between said brim and crown forming the band portion of the hat and comprising overlapping relatively fiexible straw strips, the edges of said straw strips being closely braided and the center portions thereof having openings extending therethrough, and through and through stitches extending through said overlapping portions of said relatively flexible strips to secure said relatively flexible strips in position.

2. In hat construction, in combination, a crown portion formed from overlapping strips of relatively stiff straw, a brim portion formed from overlapping strips of relatively stiif straw, a band portion disposed between said crown and said brim formed from straw strips having closely braided side portions and relatively flexible openwork center portions, said side portions being arranged in overlapping relation, and through and through stitches extending through said overlapping closely braided portions to secure said flexible strips in position.

3. In hat construction, in combination, a crown portion formed from overlapping strips of relatively stiff straw, a brim portion formed from overlapping strips of relatively stiff straw, concealed stitches extending through the overlapping portions of said strips in said crown and said brim, a band portion disposed between said crown and said brim formed from straw strips having closely braided side portions and relatively flexible open-work center portions, said side portions being arranged in overlapping relation and said band portion forming a part of said brim and said crown, and stitches greater in length than said concealed stitches extending through said overlapping closely braided portions to secure said flexible strips in position.

4. In hat construction, in combination, a crowny portion formed from spirally overlapping strips of stiffened straw material, concealed stitches passing through the overlapping portions thereof, a brim portion formed from strips of stiffened straw material, portions thereof overlapping each other, concealed stitches passing through said overlapping portions, a band portion comprising a part of the crown and brim of said hat and secured to said brim portion and said crown portion, said band portion comprising a spirally disposed strip of relatively flexible straw material having closely woven side portions and openwork center portions, the side portions thereof overlapping each other, and through and through stitches passing through said overlapping closely woven portions, the width of said last-mentioned strip being greater than the width of said rstmentioned strips whereby the brim portion of said hat is made flexible and ventilation is afforded to the interior of said hat. K

5. In hat construction, in combination, a crown portion formed from spirally overlapping strips of stiffened straw material, concealed stitches passing through the overlapping portions thereof, a brim portion formed from strips of stiifened straw material overlapping each other, concealed stitches passing through said overlapping portions, a band portion comprising portions of the crown and brim of said hat and secured to said brim and crown portions, said 100 band portion comprising a spirally disposed strip of relatively flexible straw material having closely woven side portions and an open-work center portion, the ends of said spirally disposed strip being secured to the end of the strip forming said crown portion and the end of said strip forming said brim portion, said Vclosely woven side portions of said third mentioned strip overlapping, and through and through stitches passing through said overlapping portions whereby the brim portion of said hat is made flexible and ventilation is afforded to the interior thereof.

6, A strawhat comprising portions of a brim and crown formed from closely braided stiifened straw strip, said strip being secured in overlapping relation by concealed stitches, and a band portion connected to said portions of said brim and crown and forming a part of the crown and brim of said hat, said band portion being formed from a braided straw strip having closely braided 120 side portions and a flexible open-work center portion, the last mentioned strip being secured in position by through and through stitches.

'7. A straw hat comprising portions of a brim and crown formed from closely braided stiifened 125 straw strip, said strip being secured in overlapping relation by concealed stitches, and a band portion connected to said portions of said brim and crown by through and through stitches and forming a part of the crown and brim of said hat, said band 13G portion being formed from a braided straw strip having closely braided side portions and a exible open-work center portion, the closely braided side portions thereof overlapping and being secured in said overlapping position by through and 135 through stitches passing therethrough.

FRED T. JOY. 

